Praying like the apostles

Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles finds the companions of Jesus gathered together as some of them return from being questioned by the leaders, elders and scribes.

The ones who were released came back to the group and told them the instructions they had been given by the elders’ group, which was—stop speaking or teaching, at all, “in the name of Jesus.”

As you might imagine, this did not go over very well, and it elicited from the group a prayer that I want to highlight today. 

This comes from Acts, Chapter 4, Verse 29, and goes like this:

“And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth [your] hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Scripture tells us that as they prayed, the place where they were staying shook, “and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

A few verses later we learn that the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, with “great power” and that all of them were accorded “great favor.”

You see, this “great power” and “great favor” comes from the Holy Spirit and is accessible to each of us—even today—in order to strengthen us with grace to embolden us to carry on spreading the Good News of salvation.

Sometimes, us ordinary people, are not sure what we can say or do, because often we feel inadequate.  Other people, we assume, don’t really want to hear us talk about our faith, and even if it gets to the point where we have the courage to do so, we are not sure we “know enough,” let alone what we would actually say.

But here is where grace comes in.  And honestly, with the exception of some people who like to stand in their stubbornness, there are a lot of people who would like to know about your faith.  They may not be the first ones to bring it up, but often people are very curious as to why you believe in God, and what you believe.

Drawing from the prayer of the apostles themselves, let us go boldly as we cooperate with God.  Let us trust that he will give us the words and the grace to speak his name, gently, kindly and lovingly.

This isn’t about forcing faith on someone; it is about being open to speak about yours.  That is usually a good place to start.  Simply acknowledge your own approach to faith, your own trust in God, and how you follow the Holy Spirit.

After all, nobody can argue with that!

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com
janetcassidy.blubrry.net